Questions from the Average Joe: Auto Accidents II

Hurt in auto accident? Every day, we receive calls from people with questions following an auto accident. Zachary Belcher is our Intake attorney at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy and he is here to answer those questions.

Q: I don’t like the offer the insurance company made when they decided to total my car. What can I do about it?

A: Unfortunately, given the way insurance contracts are written, there isn’t much that can be done to get significantly more once an insurance adjuster determines that your car is a total loss. Vehicles are generally insured up to their fair market.

That said, you don’t have to take the first offer—an honest conversation about what you’re willing to accept with an adjuster may work to increase the offer, even a little bit. If the final offer is unacceptable, it may be time to consider contacting an attorney.

Q: I was in an accident and took an offer from the insurance company to pay my bills and pain and suffering the following week. A few weeks later, I found out I need to have surgery for a torn ligament that was not initially diagnosed. Can I still have the car insurance company pay for it?

A: Likely, the answer is no. When you receive payment for your injuries from an insurance company, you usually sign a liability release prior to receiving the check. That release legally protects the insurance company from any further payments for injuries from the accident.

If you were hurt in an accident, it is always worth consulting with an attorney before accepting any offer from the insurance company for your injuries. Insurance companies’ main concern is wrapping up claims quickly and cheaply. By taking an offer before the full extent of your injuries comes to light, you take the risk that something serious may develop. If you were hurt in an accident, it is always best to talk to an experienced auto accident attorney before even discussing your injuries with an insurance adjuster.

Get to Know

Zachary Belcher joined Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy and ensures that every individual who contacts the firm receives outstanding service and support throughout the intake process.

Zack graduated from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 2015 and has handled more than 500 injury cases for clients injured in automobile accidents.  He understands the stressful and life-altering situations clients face before seeking a personal injury attorney.

Contact our Cleveland Auto Accident Attorneys

Don’t let an auto accident consume your life. Let our Cleveland auto accident attorneys do the heavy lifting and purse the compensation you are owed for you injuries. Call us today at (216) 230 – 6352 or complete a free initial consultation form online.

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